Verified Original U.s. Civil War Colt M1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver With 6" Barrel And Partial Cylinder Scene Made In 1860 - Serial 172097 Unlock 75% Savings [xmATJ78j]

Original Item: Only One Available. The Colt "Pocket Percussion" Model 1849 revolvers in .31cal are essentially scaled down versions of the larger Navy Model 1851 in .36cal, and were developed concurrently. This is a lovely patinated example, made right before the start of the U.S. Civil War. This very nice example features Serial Number 172097 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 2097 on the loading rammer. The cylinder arbor pin is not marked, and looks to be an arsenal fabricated replacement, as is the unmarked barrel wedge.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1860, right before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict, possibly on either side. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 6" barrel, and is in nice tight condition with a very nice peppery patina on the steel portions. As with most we see, the nickel plating on the grip frame and trigger guard is completely gone, and they display a lovely mustard patina. Additionally, over 50% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" engraved cylinder scene can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. It also still shows the COLT'S PATENT / No. marking above and next to the serial number. Often we see these with the markings completely removed from the cylinder, so this is a real treat!

This lovely revolver features the Colt 'Hartford' two line address marking, still fully legible across the top of the octagonal barrel:-

ADDRESS SAM'L COLT
HARTFORD CT

There is still debate over the use of the "Hartford" address during this period, however it is thought that many of the revolvers so marked were specifically made for orders doing to the South during the years leading up to the Civil War. New York was viewed as the center of the abolitionist movement, so changing the address to Hartford, the actual address of the Colt Factory, was a way to make the revolvers more acceptable in the South. There are many known Confederate used Colt revolvers that had the Hartford address.

The revolver bears the correct COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though there is no "31CAL" marking on the trigger guard, which is not uncommon. The walnut grips are in very good condition, showing wear consistent with use in service, but no major damage. The original "piano varnish" finish is still very well retained, except around the bottom edges, which are worn. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition.

The revolver functions well, with accurate indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age, though there is some slop in the mechanics. The barrel frame connection is a bit loose, and has not been adjusted in the past. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is definitely some wear from use and cleaning away past fouling and oxidation, so it does look to have seen use in service during the war, but not an extreme amount. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use, as well as mushrooming from hammer strikes.

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from the beginning of the Civil War with a long 6" barrel, a great acquisition for any collection. In lovely patinated condition with a great look and cylinder scene, ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1860
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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